Boxing in a hotel's function suite

Wideload

Wideload

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Hi all, long time lurker – not much of a poster! I have reposted this in here after it was suggested by another helpful member.

I have been asked at short notice to take some photographs at a boxing function in a hotel, with dinner and a couple of fights (only in the ring I hope)

I have asked how the room is to be laid out, whether the ring will have it’s own lighting etc. but I was wondering if anyone had any tips? - Wee update, I have not heard back from the promoter on this yet.

I would consider myself fairly inexperienced – fortunately, this is for a friend who has said there’s no pressure, seemingly the photos were done last time by a barman on a point and shoot (not that is meant as derogatory in any way); however there is naturally going to be some expectation.

I have an Olympus e520 with 14-42mm kit lens and have also borrowed all my friends gear; a Canon 1000D with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens and his 55-250mm f/4-5.6, so nothing particularly fast. I also have a Crown(?) 720 flash gun.

I would be grateful if anyone could offer some basic advice. They have specified that they would like some group shots of the top table and the like along with some shots of the fights themselves.

Many thanks in advance,

Stu
 
Might be better if a mod moves this to the Talk Sport section rather than the section where you post photos that you have taken.
 
I've only covered a small amount of Boxing so I'm sure others will have some more (experienced) advice. I have a similar event in a few weeks time and although it is good fun and a great evening, it isn't easy given the poor lightning and the cramp room these events normally entail.

A fast lens is a must and a camera with capable high ISO performance. You can use a hotshoe flash but I don't personally like the results. I have been using a 24-70 f2.8 with a Nikon D3s. Ideally I could do with something faster.

The group shots you'll have no problem with. I would plump for the Canon and 18-55 for the fight itself. See how you get on given the lighting. If things aren't going to plan you can always stick on the flashgun. Another option would be to rent a Canon 50mm f1.8 - cheap to buy as well.
 
D'oh! Apologies. Thanks very much for the tips. Unfortunately, it was very much short notice - tonight! I have been familiarising myself with the Canon so will give both a bash and see what I can come up with.
 
Lighting can be very poor in these venues but even with additional lights you'll need a 2.8 lens. I usually use my 24-70 f2.8 which gives good coverage of the ring.
 
I have done a few of these and the lights vary quite a lot flash may be your only option with your kit but not generally that good results but have one on the camera for the presentation shots.
 
Be interested to see how you got on :)

I've shot a bit of mma in some very shoddy light some times ( over a 4 stop difference between parts of the cage :-o ) all with a 50mm 1.7/8 and a 35 mm 2.8 (Pentax manual lens) did struggle to freeze the action some times! :-/ guess I learnt to just keep the shutter speed hi and worry about ISo later....
 
Phew! That was an experience, but very enjoyable. Lighting was a bit crazy but I feel I did OK for a newbie.

The room had blue, almost neon strip lighting around the perimeter and up the middle, then there was a row of approx 12 really bright white ring lights. Unfortunately as it was a strip, the centre of the ring wasn't too bad, but only moving a few feet towards the ropes was a lot darker.

Unfortunately, "Can you punch him over there?" wouldn't really fly.

I'll be honest, prior to the start I went into the room and effectively tried the same shot each time scrolling through a different white balance setting to see which one looked "appropriate" Seemed to make sense.

I'll let you guys have a look when I get some up in due course. Thanks again for all the advice.
 
I've now posted my shots over in the Sports Critique section. I would be grateful for any feedback, cheers!
 
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